Crystal Skate

It is yet uncertain whether Meryl Davis and Charlie White are just taking a break or will indeed withdraw from competitive life, but either way, they have had a long career in figure skating which deserves a shout out. Meryl Davis and Charlie White have basically known each other all their lives. They grew up in the same neighborhood and their parents have always been best friends, so teaming up at the age of 10 felt natural. Their climb to the top of the sport's rankings was gradual, which makes their career together even more worthy of admiration. Polovetsian Dances Photograph: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images Sport They appeared on both the national and international senior ice for the first time in 2006/2007 and immediately made themselves noticed when they were the only couple at the NHK Trophy to receive the highest levels for all their elements. Times were harder for skaters back then with three routines to prepare rather than two. Still, the old Compulsory Dance was h...

Saitama, March 2014: Just a couple of days after winning their fifth world title, Aliona Savchenko & Robin Szolkowy tell the press that they aren't retiring as previously planned, but splitting up. The decision comes as a shock to many fans as it means that they are unlikely to ever skate together again, not even in shows. It also means that we have to say goodbye to Robin Szolkowy, but not to his partner. First European title Photograph: Koici Kamoshida/Getty Images Sport Ukrainian-born Aliona Savchenko teamed up with German-born Robin Szolkowy in 2003, after they had both failed in achieving success with their former partners. They became German national champions that very season, giving Germany hope for international recognition in pair skating for the first time since 1998, when Mandy Wotzel won a Bronze Olympic medal with Ingo Steuer, Aliona and Robin's coach. Their first European medal, a silver, was won just two years later. But the real breakthrough ha...